All Is One
There is only one resolution for me.
GRATEFULNESS
In a world of turmoil, with war and suffering, I am practicing
the way I can acknowledge what is happening in the world, from my
safe place, in a small apartment on the Olympic Península
of Washinton State USA.
A simple daily statement, on my new 2025 calendar of gratefulness for one
thing, starts my day and helps my view for the coming days events. Born a "Baby Boomer"
[those born after WWII from 1946-1965] from parents seeking the
American Dream in a peaceful world. My life began with all the hopes and dreams for a world with opportunity for everyone to thrive.
A government program helped many buy their first homes.
My father a veteran of WWII, was eligible for this blessing to raise his family.
These were my beginnings in the USA.
I grew up with high expectations for my life.
I am 75, in a wheelchair now, as I sit writing today, advanced arthritis, constant pain
throughout the day and night. Accepting my own suffering each day is a struggle, compounded by lack of medical services in all parts of the country.
Life in the USA began full of hope and opportunity, even as a woman, I saw the potential
for me to thrive in a man's world. It has been a life of many battles, some won, some lost, still lost to many today.
Although there has been many advancements, equality, especially in healthcare, yet it is hindered by a lack of access. Sounds more like a third world country.
Reality today is now including the world I live in, as a member
of a global community.
The wars, discrimination, refugees, suffering, poverty, hunger
and death is overwhelming
to me in 2025.
My country, as in many others, refugees flee for safety and justice.
USA is also rejecting them, out of a fear of loss for own safety and fragile economic futures.
How can I assist those?
Make a difference?
I must find a way each day in my small world. A way to give
what I can spare.
I am, in my community, able to see those each day that cross my path and
reach out to them.
This is my gratefulness in action.
Day by day my gratefulness grows as I can see me,
as a person, engaged in my world.
And now I am experiencing others reaching out to me with
a "Hello",
" Can I open the door for you?"
" How are you doing today?"
"Nice to see you today"
CHANGE THE WORLD
Stickers I have been giving to those who have chosen to reach out to me.
I continue to do this for 2025.
My gratefulness is showing me the world's reality is NOT just that of a naive child
that sees only a world free of wars and suffering and injustice. There are moments when a glimmer
of an experience lightens up my surroundings. Just as the sun breaks through the numerous grey days in the NW of these states.
Port Angeles Wa
THIS IS MY PRAYER AS AN ADULT.
I continue to be inspired by the prayers in the song by
ColdPlay "We Pray"
and 'BARAYE" by Iranian song writer about freedom in Iran.
"We Pray Baraye"
My first form of expression is in painting and now I begin a painting of
my prayers, written, as a daily mantra, for all my wishes for the world and for myself.
PEACE OF MIND
PEACE OF HEART
PEACE OF BODY
PEACE FOR ALL OF OUR SOULS
"No Mud, No Lilies"
Thich Nhat Hanh, Buddhist Teacher
I am learning to embrace it all.
Beverlee Lawson Websterville Vt
A dear friend of almost 30 years, she holds true to the
revolutionary spirit of founding fathers of the
United States of America.
As I dwell, sometimes, in my own misery and feel helpless and hopeless for my own condition,
she reminds me we are all living lives that include pain and suffering. Often unknown about people
around us.
" Suck it up!"
" One day at a time!"
As soon as I hear it my sense of joy and sense of humor returns. The blessings of friends.
I am not alone on this humankind journey, on this "Pale Blue Dot" for my limited time.
Embrace each day.
Thanks Bev
P.S. I am unsure of what the next 4 years will hold for the most vulnerable in this
country and the world under the new government leaders. What quality of life will it lead to...?
I will continue to write about it and share to anyone about "What's love got to do with it".
